Jazlyn Wagner is a current member of Dub. C who has been dancing since she was four years old. She describes Dub. C as one big family, always hyping each other up and giving words of encouragement when needed. Alongside Dub. C Wagner does dance outside of school at Chu’s Dance Studio.
Wagner dances ballet, lyrical, contemporary, and currently with Dub c she does hip-hop. This has been a challenge for her because she was not very comfortable with hip-hop; however, through dancing with Dub. C she overcame this challenge and embraced the style of hip-hop.
“Dance allows you to have a creative mind, there’s no wrong way to dance… In hip hop you can make it your style, “said Wagner. “I am currently under the USA JO (junior Olympic) program.”
USA JO is a gymnastics program she loves alongside dance. Wagner has used her gymnastic background in her dances and in recent rallies; she often does flips that shows off her flexibility. Her gymnastic and dance abilities can go hand and hand as gymnastics helped her techniques and acrobatic skills, and dance has helped her artistry and competition presence.
Wagner had to work through injuries and recently dealt with an ankle injury. She perseveres through these injuries and learns how to strengthen herself so she can keep dancing. Wagner expressed that through dance and gymnastics she has learned to get over her fears and always try something new. She continues by saying her coaches have helped by challenging her and correcting her to be a better dancer.
“Even if you’re not naturally talented in dance there is always a way to get really good, it’s all through hard work and doing things with a purpose and maintaining a strong mindset,” said Wagner.
Wagner is a title holder in the Miss Teen Dance for Kids Artistic Revenue (KAR) competition; she is currently a finalist for dancer of the year. One of Wagner’s biggest accomplishments was an opportunity to choreograph a duet for her dance season this March.
“I like dance because it allows me to be vulnerable with my emotions without using my words,” said Wagner.
In the future, Wagner plans to minor in dance and teach it outside her college courses , hoping to inspire younger generations of dance and show that it can always be fun and allow one to have the freedom of self expression. As a junior, Wagner will be continuing in Dub. C her senior year.
